Ahead of monsoon, flood protection works along Yamuna expedited

With the monsoon season fast approaching, the Irrigation Department has expedited flood prevention and control works along the Yamuna in Karnal district. So far, 50 per cent of the stone dumping has been completed, while wire-crate weaving is ongoing. Officials claimed that the overall physical progress across all sites stands at approximately 87 per cent. They claimed that a major portion of the short-term flood protection works approved by the state government has already been completed.

The remaining works are progressing steadily and the authorities have been directed to ensure 100 per cent completion by June 30, well before the peak monsoon period.

Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh recently visited the sites and reviewed the progress of the projects, which were finalised during the 56th meeting of the Haryana State Disaster Relief and Flood Control Board, held on March 15 under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The board had approved six key flood protection projects worth Rs 14.04 crore, all aimed at safeguarding vulnerable sections of the Yamuna river. The supply of stones at all six points has been completed and the construction and repair work of both old and new studs is currently underway. Work at the Kalsora Complex—where repair of seven stone studs and construction of a stone revetment was sanctioned at a cost of Rs 2.32 crore—is progressing steadily and is likely to be completed before the deadline, said Manoj Kumar, XEN, Irrigation Department.

Similarly, stone dumping at the Kundakalan Complex—where construction of eight new stone studs was planned at an estimated cost of Rs 1.91 crore—is ongoing, he added.

The XEN further said the work at the Dakhwala Complex, involving six new stone studs and a stone revetment worth Rs 2.40 crore, was progressing at full pace and was also likely to meet the deadline. He also said the works at the Sadarpur Complex—where six old stone studs were being repaired at a cost of Rs 1.28 crore—are 80 per cent complete. Around 50 per cent of the construction of eight new stone studs and a stone revetment at the Modipur Complex, costing Rs 3.57 crore, has also been completed.

Eighty per cent of the work at the Jarauli Complex—where five new stone studs and a stone revetment amounting to Rs 2.28 crore are being constructed—has been completed as well, he added.

Sanjay Rahar, Superintending Engineer (SE), said all works were being closely monitored to ensure timely completion with quality. “Our officials are working diligently to ensure timely completion,” said the SE. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh directed the officials to increase the number of pump sets to drain water from residential areas in case of a flood-like situation.

Neeraj Bhardwaj, XEN, Water Services, Mechanical Division of the Irrigation Department, said a total of 66 electric pumps, 44 diesel pumps, and three vertical turbine pump sets—with a combined capacity of 354 cusecs—were available in the district for de-watering operations. In addition, there are six permanent pump houses with a total capacity of 125 cusecs and two temporary pump houses with a total capacity of 30 cusecs at various locations. During the flood season, heavy rainfall causes submergence of field areas, which is mitigated by deploying these mobile pumping units.

DC Singh said the administration was well-prepared for any possibility concerning the Yamuna. “We are closely monitoring the situation along the river. The officials from the Irrigation Department have been directed to complete all works before the deadline,” he added.

Haryana Tribune